Lorne Craner

Lorne Craner was elected President of the International Republican Institute on August 2, 2004, and is also a Director of Internews and member of the Advisory Committee On Voluntary Foreign Aid.

"Previously, Craner was Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor for Secretary of State Colin Powell. Among other accomplishments during his three year tenure, he contributed to the conception and implementation of President Bush’s approach to democratization in the Middle East, sharpened the Administration’s focus on human rights in Central Asia, initiated the first U.S. Government programs to advance democracy in China, and helped construct the Millennium Challenge Account’s “good governance” criteria. Upon his departure from the State Department, Secretary Powell presented Craner with the Distinguished Service Award, the Department’s highest honor.

"From 1995-2001, Craner, as the International Republican Institute’s President, led IRI to new levels of programmatic achievement, fundraising, financial accountability and news coverage. He joined IRI as Vice President for Programs in 1993.

"From 1992-93, Craner was Director of Asian Affairs at the National Security Council under Brent Scowcroft. From 1989-92, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs.

"Craner was Senator John McCain’s foreign policy advisor from 1986-89, serving concurrently as the Republican staffer on the Senate Central America negotiations observer group. He began his career as the foreign policy advisor to Congressman Jim Kolbe.

"Craner has testified on numerous occasions before House and Senate Committees. His work in and out of government has been covered by the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Washington Times, NPR, the BBC, and other domestic and foreign media.

"Craner received his M.A. in National Security Studies from Georgetown University and his B.A. from Reed College." 


 * Member, Advisory Committee on Democracy Promotion
 * Advisory Board, Project on Middle East Democracy